Last updated on August 23, 2024
Breathing or breathwork coaches help people master breathing techniques to lower stress, sleep better, improve athletic performance, and more.
If you’re thinking about becoming one, stick around to discover some of the best certification programs to consider. For now, here’s a quick summary:
- Loka Yoga School – Best in-depth anatomy teachings
- The Whole Health Project – Best for trauma-aware coaching
- SOMA Breath – Best holistic approach to wellness
- Breath of Gold – Best trauma-informed certification
- Oxygen Advantage – Best for improving physical performance
Table of Contents
Does a breathwork coach really need to be certified?
The short answer is YES.
The long answer is: you technically don’t need to be certifie to teach breathwork and be a breathing coach BUT to be a credible and responsible breathwork instructor, certification is 100% necessary.
Watching YouTube videos alone won’t give you the comprehensive knowledge needed to guide others safely through breathwork practices.
Plus, with certification programs, you can gain the confidence to start your practice, along with a community of peers and mentors to support you on your journey.
How We Evaluated The Top Breathing Coach Training Programs
Here’s how we evaluated the top options to make sure you find a program that’s truly worth your time and investment:
- Recognition: We focused on online programs recognized by international institutions and experts in the field.
- Trainer Credentials and Experience: We sought programs led by seasoned practitioners who have walked the path themselves and can offer actual wisdom.
- Curriculum Depth and Breadth: We made sure the course curriculums cover a broad spectrum of breathwork techniques.
- Real-World Application and Success Stories: We looked at the success stories of past graduates to identify which programs best translate knowledge into practical coaching skills.
- Support and Resources: We highlighted programs that offer resources beyond the classroom, such as mentorship, a supportive community, and career guidance.
The Best Online Breathwork Coach Certifications
[TOP PICK] 1. Internationally Certified Online Breathwork Teacher Training with Loka Yoga School
If you’re looking for a comprehensive and complete, internationally certified Breathwork Teacher Training, Loka Yoga School’s Online Breathwork Training is our recommendation and worth exploring.
Along with becoming internationally certified and accredited as a breathwork coach and able to teach over 20+ breathwork techniques (from ancient Pranayama techniques to the more modern techniques and styles), you will gain a solid understanding of the breath and strengthen your knowledge and own practice, enabling you to better help your clients improve their physical and mental health.
Loka Yoga School offers an extremely comprehensive and complete Breathwork course with the most in-depth anatomy teachings, guided by a medical professional. It has a flawless 5-star rating and reviews!
Upon completion, you’ll immediately receive a downloadable certificate as an internationally qualified breathwork coach.
They also offer bundle options that combine their breathwork teacher training with other related courses, such as meditation, biomechanics, yoga philosophy and yin yoga for a more comprehensive learning experience.
- Course Length: Self-paced, 20 Continued Education hours with Yoga Alliance
- Program Cost: $249
- Accreditation: Yoga Alliance
- Mode of Delivery: Online
Special Offer: Get 10% off Loka Yoga School’s Online Breathwork Teacher Training by entering coupon code MASTERYOURBREATH at checkout.
2. The Whole Health Project Trauma Aware Breath Coach Training
If you’re looking for a well-rounded and trauma-aware approach to breathwork, The Whole Health Project’s Trauma Aware Breath Coach Training is the perfect program to take.
The course will teach you not only breathwork techniques but also how to facilitate safe spaces for clients who may have experienced trauma.
This will allow you to spot and minimize the risk of triggering clients, which will help them be more open and feel more comfortable during sessions.
Once you successfully complete the course, you’ll receive a Trauma Aware Breath Coach certificate that recognizes your expertise in breathwork and trauma-aware facilitation.
- Course Length: Self-paced, 25 hours (Breath Coach Training) + 10 hours (Trauma Aware Facilitation Training)
- Program Cost: $429
- Accreditation: YACEP, IBF
- Mode of Delivery: Online
Special Offer: Get 5% off The Whole Health Project’s Online Breath Coach Training by entering coupon code BREATHISLIFE at checkout.
3. SOMA Breath Breathwork Facilitator Training
If you’re looking to transform your life and the lives of others through a powerful, holistic approach to wellness, we recommend SOMA Breath’s Breathwork Facilitator Training.
Founded by Niraj Naik, also known as the Renegade Pharmacist, SOMA Breath blends ancient pranayama techniques with modern music technology and guided imagery to promote overall well-being.
The training is divided into two certification levels:
- SOMA Breath Awakened Facilitator (Level 1): Covers essential breathwork techniques, including rhythmic breathing, guided meditation, and pranayama. It also incorporates the 21-Day Awakening Journey, which equips facilitators with the tools to lead clients through a deeply transformational experience.
- SOMA Breath Master Facilitator (Level 2): Focused on creating profound life changes for clients and includes personalized mentorship through six one-on-one sessions with a master trainer.
The program is flexible, accommodating different schedules with options that range from a few weeks for the foundational course to several months for the advanced level.
Learn more about SOMA Breath in this review.
- Course Length: Self-paced
- Program Cost: $6,000 (payment plans available)
- Accreditation: ACCPH, CPD
- Mode of Delivery: Online
Special Offer: Book a call with the SOMA Breath team, and quote Life Coach Magazine to get 20% off their Breathwork Teacher Training.
4. Breath of Gold Breathwork Facilitator Program
Breath of Gold‘s Breathwork Facilitator Program is a trauma-informed breathwork certification that teaches all 14 ancient pranayama techniques, as well as modern-day breathwork practices and the neuroscience behind the practice.
If you’re looking for the most holistic certification training that is an internationally accredited Breathwork Teacher Training, the Breath of Gold Breathwork Facilitator Program is highly recommended.
This course teaches the neuroscience of breathwork, how to be a trauma-informed instructor, nervous system regulation and so much more. You will learn how to teach all 14 styles of Pranayama as well as the circular connected breathing technique.
The program includes teachings from experts such as therapists, doctors, lawyers, and a neuroscientist, enhancing your knowledge and practice to better help your clients improve their physical and mental health.
Breath of Gold offers an extremely comprehensive and complete Breathwork course with in-depth neuroscience teachings and hands-on experience with the founder, Adrienne Rivera.
There is a big focus on learning and mastering “the art of facilitation” in this course. You will be working with an accountability buddy throughout the 4-month program, and weekly live group coaching calls are included.
This program also offers a flexible learning experience that combines self-paced study with live online sessions, providing a more interactive + hands-on approach to breathwork training.
- Course Length: Flexible with Live Group Coaching Sessions
- Program Cost: Discussed on an application call
- Accreditation: FHT, IPHM, NASM, AFFA, and Yoga Alliance
- Mode of Delivery: Online with Live Group Coaching Sessions
Special Offer: Get 10% off Breath of Gold’s Breathwork Facilitator Program by using coupon code LIFECOACHMAGAZINE. When calling the sales team, make sure to mention that you found the program through Life Coach Magazine to receive your discount.
5. Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor Training
If you’re interested in enhancing your physical performance or working with athletes, Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor Training might be a good fit.
Developed by Patrick McKeown, the course helps coaches, athletes, and trainers understand how breathwork can give people that extra advantage in sports and other physical activities.
It discusses how adjusting one’s breathing patterns can increase stamina, reduce recovery times, optimize oxygen usage, and more.
By learning how to control carbon dioxide levels and breathe through the diaphragm, you can teach individuals to better handle fatigue and stress, improve sleep quality, and deal with related illnesses.
- Course Length: Self-paced, 100+ hours
- Program Cost: $395
- Accreditation: None as of the moment
- Mode of Delivery: Online
So, What’s the Best Program Out of All of These?
The “best” really depends on what you’re looking for in breathwork training and the kind of breathwork you want to practice and teach.
- Choose The Whole Health Project Trauma Aware Breath Coach Training if you want to establish a sensitive, trauma-aware coaching practice.
- Loka Yoga School Breathwork Training if you’re looking for the most in-depth anatomy teachings guided by a medical professional.
- SOMA Breath for a powerful, holistic approach to wellness.
- Breath of Gold’s Breathwork Facilitator Program if you want something more comprehensive.
- Oxygen Advantage Functional Breathing Instructor Training if your main goal is to improve physical strength and performance.
Want to incorporate self-care and healing into your breathing coach practice? Check out Transformation Academy’s Master Healing & Self-Care Life Coach Certification. This program includes:
- Self-Healing Life Coaching Certification – Master breathwork, visualization, meditation, and somatic movements. Learn self-care strategies and stretching exercises that promote healing.
- Therapeutic Art Life Coaching Program – Guide clients to reduce stress and pursue their dreams using vision boards, affirmations, mandalas, and more.
- Mindfulness Life Coaching Certification – Features over 50 exercises and a 21-day mindfulness and meditation challenge.
- Focus Mastery & Breakthrough Life Coach Training – Learn how you/your client can become a high-functioning individual who thrives, stays healthy, and invites abundance.
Special Offer: Get 50% off all certification programs at Transformation Academy by clicking our link or entering code LIFECOACHMAG at checkout.
The Life Coach Magazine staff is your team for high-quality content on topics from personal development, to coaching tips, to how to grow your coaching business.
